What maintenance action can help reduce fuel consumption when driving?

Maintaining properly inflated tires is crucial for optimizing fuel efficiency. When tires are inflated to the correct pressure, they create an optimal contact patch with the road surface, which enhances traction and reduces rolling resistance. Under-inflated tires can lead to increased friction and require more energy (fuel) to move the vehicle, ultimately resulting in higher fuel consumption. Maintaining the correct tire pressure not only improves fuel efficiency but also contributes to safer driving and prolongs tire life, making it a practical maintenance action for reducing fuel consumption while driving.

Using higher octane fuel does not necessarily equate to better fuel efficiency for most vehicles; it is intended for high-performance engines. Driving at higher speeds generally increases aerodynamic drag and decreases fuel efficiency. Reducing weight in the vehicle can help improve fuel economy, but proper tire inflation is a more immediate and impactful maintenance action to enhance fuel efficiency.